I first met the guys at Douglas Outdoors a couple years ago while covering ICAST over at TackleTour.com. Not just a fly rod company, Douglas Outdoors also offers conventional rods, fly reels, and some accessories. With the creation of Demystifly, I knew I had to sample one or two of their products for a write-up. It didn't take long before a couple of samples were in my possession!

One of the fly rods sent by the guys at Douglas was the 9-foot 5-weight DXF fly rod. Fly rods rated for 5-weight lines are standard among many freshwater anglers, and with some ponds nearby full of small bass I knew this rod had a lot of potential for serious fun. I also heard some good things about this particular model, so I was pretty darn amped about fishing it.

DXF rods are all about simplistic good looks and quality components. Our tester sported an attractive matte green high-modulus blank, hard-chrome SiC stripping guide, chrome snake guides, and AAA cork grip. The reel seat includes double up-locking rings and an attractive wood insert. As an added bonus, a triangular cordura-covered tube and rod sock offers sound protection for the DXF.

The 5904 carries an advertised weight of just 2.9 ounces which translates to a nice lightweight feel while casting. The "modern" action (as Douglas calls it) feels like it leans towards a more familiar "fast" designation. It offers very smooth, pleasing performance overall. I enjoyed throwing it most at medium ranges with flies you'd typically toss on a 5-weight, although to push the limits I tossed a too-big-for-a-5-weight popper while bass fishing and it got me by.

DXF fly rods are available in line weights 2 to 12 and lengths from 8'6" to 11'6". At an MSRP of $349 the 5-weight DXF makes a fine all-around rod at a moderate price. All Douglas rods and reels are covered by an original owner lifetime warranty. For more information, check them out at:

www.DouglasOutdoors.com